Start your morning with a sunrise over the Atlantic and a guided walk to learn about Jekyll Island’s nesting sea turtles. This program begins at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center before participants caravan to a nearby beach access for a guided walk led by our sea turtle experts. During the walk, guests will search for tracks and signs left by nesting sea turtles from the night before while learning about the nesting process and the work being done to protect these remarkable animals. Participants may also have the opportunity to observe a nest inventory, when scientists carefully examine a recently hatched nest to learn how many hatchlings successfully emerged. Because sea turtles are wild animals and nesting activity varies each day, specific sightings cannot be guaranteed. For the safety of wildlife, only trained staff may handle turtles if one is observed.
Program Details
This program lasts from 6:30 a.m. to approximately 8:00 a.m., and departs from the Georgia Sea Turtle Center parking lot. Participants will meet staff in the parking lot and car caravan to the beach access point for the walk. The car caravan will depart GSTC at 6:45 a.m. Please arrive by 6:30 a.m. to check-in. General Admission to the GA Sea Turtle Center between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. is included with your ticket purchase.
Guest Requirements
Participants must provide their own transportation to the beach. Bikes and shuttles are not permitted. Ages 10+; Participants 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult (18+). Shoes are required for the entire walk. Participants must be able to walk up to ½ mile on soft sand and uneven terrain at a slow pace.
What to Bring
Please bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated, and wear comfortable shoes or sandals that can get sandy. Be sure to dress in weather- appropriate clothing (light layers, bug spray, rain jacket).
Lighting & Photography
Flashlights and personal lights are not permitted. Guides will provide turtle-safe lighting if needed. Cameras are permitted for personal use ONLY. The use of flash is prohibited. As a State Park, commercial or professional photo/video are prohibited unless prior authorization has been received by the Jekyll Island Authority. Professional-grade equipment including but not limited to tripods, monopods, lighting, flashes, microphones, and detachable lenses, are prohibited.
Important Notes
Each participant must have their own ticket. Participants must follow all instructions from guides to ensure the safety of wildlife and the research team. Unsafe or disruptive behavior may result in removal from the program without refund. Sea turtle sightings, hatchlings, or nest inventories cannot be guaranteed.
Ticket Policy
Tickets are valid only for the date purchased. If your plans change, please contact us as soon as possible to discuss rescheduling or a refund. If a program is canceled due to weather or safety concerns, participants will be offered rescheduling or a refund.
Pet Policy
Pets are not permitted on this program.
Weather Policy
Programs take place outdoors and are subject to weather conditions. If lightning is detected in the area prior to the start of the walk, the program may be delayed for up to 20 minutes. If lightning occurs during the walk, guides will immediately begin exiting the beach and return to the nearest beach access for participant safety. If a program must be canceled due to unsafe weather conditions, guests will be rescheduled or issued a refund.
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